Reimagine the Rockhampton CBD and have your say!
Published on 01 August 2016
In 15 years’ time, how do you want the CBD to look?
More retail, restaurants, activity on the street and residential living are just some of the options being put forward to the community through a new CBD survey, ‘Reimagine the Rockhampton CBD’.
The survey is part of Council’s ongoing engagement for the signature CBD Redevelopment Framework project that aims to reinvigorate the city’s heart.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow is encouraging the community to think boldly about a brighter future for our CBD and to have their say.
“We’re calling on the community to get creative and contribute to the project’s vision by sharing their ideas to help build the city of our future,” Mayor Strelow said.
The survey builds on previous engagement that Council has undertaken in past years, and is just the beginning of many activities to be actioned as part of the project.
To deliver the CBD Framework, Council will work together with design partner, Urbis, a leading specialist in economic and urban development.
“Our commitment to our community and local businesses is to revive our city heart, for it to become a vibrant and active space and ultimately a vehicle for investment and growth for the entire Region.”
In the current 2016/17 Budget, Mayor Strelow who is also Chair of the Economic Development portfolio, dedicated significant investment to Economic Development resources and activities to achieve this vision.
“The CBD is just one of the many untapped opportunities in our Region and our expanding Regional Development team is dedicated to achieving our full potential,” Mayor Strelow said.
Council’s Executive Manager of Regional Development, Russell Claus, who heads the CBD Redevelopment Framework said there is enormous opportunity to create a regional urban hub second to none.
“Most cities would kill to have what we have,” Claus said.
“The Rockhampton CBD is an incredible asset with all the right ingredients to position Rockhampton as the top regional city in Australia.
“The CBD Framework will define how and when to blend these ingredients to achieve the best outcome for CBD stakeholders and the broader community.”
Mr Claus said the Framework will address everything required to deliver CBD revitalisation, from physical changes to the process for achieving change, including creating a more attractive, comfortable and safe pedestrian environment, economic development initiatives, placemaking, space activation, parking, signage, traffic flow, and providing for more CBD residential options.
“With the framework in hand, we will be equipped to determine precisely where and how to allocate resources, and we will substantially strengthen our capacity to successfully pursue external funding opportunities when these arise,” he said.
After the community shares their feedback, an artist will bring the ideas to life on a canvas to create a visual representation of our shared vision. The survey will run for four weeks.
To get involved and have your say, complete the online survey: Click here.